Nairobi Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Nairobi Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Took a gamble and decided to stay o/night in transit from Uganda to Joburg. Felt v safe, no-one hassled me, a woman on my own. – CharlieBeau

NBO Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

What to Expect

Nairobi Airport (code: NBO)has two terminals. Terminal 1 is divided into four additional smaller terminals: 1A, 1B, 1C (international arrivals/departures), and 1E (international departures). Domestic flights depart from T1. Terminal 2 is home to domestic flights for low-cost carriers, so facilities are more basic.

You’ll find a few eateries and shops, but the offerings are limited for an airport of this size. Most places close by early evening, so plan ahead if you’re staying here for the night. Free WiFi helps pass the time. A few travellers have mentioned airport staff seeking bribes, particularly when passing through security, though others report feeling safe overall. Economy class passengers who want to upgrade their layover can pay to enter a few airport lounges, some of which have showers.

Sleeping in Nairobi Airport

Overnight campers sometimes get lucky finding sleep spots in cafes or restaurants closed for the night.

Terminal 1, home to low-cost carriers, is said to be more comfortable than Terminal 2. Unfortunately, the five terminals that comprise T1 are in separate buildings, so you can’t hop around once you’ve passed through security. If you’re lucky enough to fly from T1E (International), you’ll likely be in the best spot for sleeping.

We have a few reviews related to specific sleep spots in this airport. Travellers have reported that the Avanti Restaurant near Gate 23 may have some comfortable couches, but you may need to purchase an item if they’re open.

Dress in layers, as temperatures range from cold to hot and sweaty. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones combat the noise and frequent announcements.

For uninterrupted sleep, several hotels are located nearby. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Nairobi Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) operates 24 hours a day, with landside and airside access in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Security screening remains open overnight to support scheduled departures and arrivals.

That said, overnight access is not guaranteed for non-ticketed visitors. Travellers without a same-day or next-day boarding pass may be asked to leave during late-night hours (typically between midnight and early morning), depending on security staffing and conditions.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are Rest Zones in Terminal 1A and Terminal 1E near the gates with semi-recliners near the windows. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

Cots are not offered to stranded passengers at Nairobi Airport. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Nairobi Airport that provide free airport shuttles:

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport (0.7 mi / 1.1 km) Upscale hotel.
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport (1.1 mi / 1.8 km) Upscale hotel.
Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport (2.1 mi / 3.4 km) Mid-range hotel.

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Nairobi Airport on Expedia.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Terminal 1

Pride Lounge – Location: Terminal 1A, Airside, near gate 17, 2nd floor. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (US$ 70 for 6 hours)
Simba Lounge – Location: Terminal 1A. Hours: 5:00AM – 12:00AM. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
Aspire Lounge – Location: Terminal 1B, Airside, opposite Gate 10. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Terminal 1D, Airside, Level 2, near Gate 4. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Turkish Airlines Star Alliance Lounge – Location: Terminal 1E, Airside, After Gate 3. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Terminal 2

Mount Kenya Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Level 1. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Mara Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Level 1. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website. Kenya Airways Pride Lounge (T1A) • Kenya Airways Simba Lounge (T1A) • Kenya Airways Simba Lounge (T1C) • Kenya Airways Msafiri Lounge (T1D).

Food & Drinks

At the time of this update, we do not have any information about any 24-hour food options. Here are some options you will find at the airport: The Karibu Cafe (Arrivals) • The Safari Coffee Shop (Domestic Departures) • The Kwaheri Snack Bar (Gate 4) • The Pub (Landside) • The Kenchic Inn (Arrivals).

Drinking Water
Free water refill points have been reported airside in Terminal 1. Availability and exact locations may vary. Landside, travellers should expect to rely on purchased bottled water, with prices typically starting around KES 50 (≈ US $0.40).

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Travellers are advised to ask at an information desk for current luggage storage options. Reported hours: 24 hours. Reported rates (not independently verified):

KES 400 (≈ US $3) per small bag / day
KES 600 (≈ US $4.50) per large bag / day

Rates, hours, and availability should be confirmed on arrival.

Mobile Charging

Free charging points are available airside near the gates.

A reader tells us, “There are numerous charging stations in public areas where you can recharge your phone. You typically need a charger, not just a cable. The stations are free, but are not secured, so don’t plan on leaving your phone there and wandering around.”

Showers

Showers are available inside the Kenya Airways Pride Lounge for eligible passengers. [ see Airport Lounges above ]. A traveller report (January 2022) also indicates that showers were available at Sheri Palm Spa (Terminal 1A) for a fee of approximately US $20.

WiFi/Internet

Free unlimited WiFi is available at Nairobi Airport. Connect to the “NBO Free WiFi” network. Email registration is required.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Business Centre – Available.

Children’s Play Areas -A children’s play area is available for families travelling with young kids. Location details are unclear.

Information Desk – Information desks are available to assist arriving and departing travellers. Hours vary.

Luggage

Baggage Trolleys – Baggage trolleys are available free of charge in both arrivals and departures areas.
Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
Luggage Wrapping – Luggage wrapping services are available for a fee.

Medical Services – Medical assistance is available 24 hours. Location details are unclear.

Money

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so travellers should check with their bank regarding international withdrawal charges and daily limits.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available in several locations. Banking services are also available.

Pharmacy – A pharmacy is available and operates 24 hours. Location details are unclear.

Post Office – A post office is available in the Main Hall.

Prayer Room – Prayer facilities are available.

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available. Additional shops sell souvenirs, newspapers, jewellery, and other travel essentials.

SIM Cards – A traveller reports that SIM cards are available for purchase after baggage claim in Terminal 1, as well as at kiosks outside the terminal. Safaricom is commonly recommended for its coverage. (Traveller report, December 2023)

Airlines

Nairobi Airport is served by the following airlines: African Express Airways • Air Arabia • Air France • Air Mauritius • British Airways • China Southern Airlines • Daallo • Egyptair • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • Etihad Airways • Fly540 • JamboJet • Jubba Airways • Kenya Airways • KLM • LAM Mozambique Airlines • Lufthansa • Malawian Airlines • Oman Air • Precision Air • Qatar Airways • Rwandair • Saudia • South African Airways • SWISS • Turkish Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area. There are no meters, so negotiate a fare with the driver before starting your journey. “Matatus” (shared-ride minibus taxis) offers a lower-cost alternative to private taxis. Always confirm your destination with the driver before getting in, and watch out for pickpockets.

Security & Safety

At the time of this update, we have no traveller reports about safety issues at Nairobi Airport, although pickpocketing has been reported on the landside. Some older reviews mention that some airport staff required bribes or inflated prices or otherwise seemed corrupt, but more recent reviews haven’t mentioned this issue so it may be improving.

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain risk level, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

Last updated: 2026-01-16

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.